12 Best National Parks In Florida: Attractions & Activities
Florida is full of natural beauty, and it’s easy to find national parks that are perfect for exploring. From the panoramic views of the Everglades to the pristine coral reefs of the Keys, these parks offer visitors something for everyone.
In this article, I’ve put together a list of the best national parks in Florida, based on a range of factors. From facilities and amenities to flora and fauna, I’ve covered everything you need to know before visiting one of these stunning parks.
Table Of Content
Best National Parks In Florida
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is the third largest national park in the United States and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Approximately One Million visitors come to This Park every year.
This isn’t the type of park that impresses you through a windshield. The best way to experience it is to immerse yourself in it on foot or by boat.
Things To Do In Everglades National Park
- Spend an afternoon at the wonderful visitor center,
- Hiking the trails,
- Biking at Shark Valley,
- Take a Tram Tour,
- Visit the Nike missile launch site,
- Take pictures with alligators.
- Take A boat tour and explore the park.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. This is one of the best national parks in Florida. If you did not include this park in your bucket list surely you will miss an amazing place.
One of the park’s centerpieces is Fort Jefferson, a massive coastal fortress that remains unfinished. This is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. Swimming and snorkeling are popular activities in this park.
Things To Do in Dry Tortugas National Park
- Take A boat ride and explore the area,
- Explore Fort Jefferson
- Snorkeling and Swimming
- Watch Colorful Coral Reefs
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is Situated 95% underwater and is quite a different kind from most Biscayne National Parks. Boating, Canoeing, and Kayaking are popular activities in this park.
There are so many things you can do to spend your day including Snorkeling, and exploring the Mangrove Forest. Try to visit the Boca Chita lighthouse for a unique experience.
Things To Do In Biscayne National Park
- Visit Boca Chita Lighthouse
- Explore The Mangrove Forest
- Swimming in Adams Key
- Snorkeling in Elliott Key
Fort Matanzas National Monument
I’ve visited this Spanish Fort several times. If you love history and knowledgeable guides, this is a must! There is no entry fee to visit the fort so you can see some crowded so try to reach early and take the ferry for Fort Matanzas National Monument.
The First Boat departed at 9.30 AM and runs every hour but the boats are small and only take 32 people so keep that in mind.
TIP: Try to reach the top of Fort Matanzas for an amazing view of the surroundings.
Things To Do In Fort Matanzas National Monument
- St Johns County Ocean Pier
- Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Lab
- Mia Italia Market
- Farmer’s Market at St. Augustine Pier
- Lakeside Park
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is located in Jacksonville Florida and is one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. Don’t miss to explore Kingsley Plantation and Fort Caroline and learn what happened here so many years ago.
There are hiking trails through big trees, if you love hiking in nature you will love this park.
Things To Do In Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
- Hike Different Trails,
- Visit Kingsley Plantation
- Visit Fort Caroline
- Explore The Theodore Roosevelt Area
- Boating At Cedar Point
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a vital protector of marine life and an unparalleled hub of ecological wonder. Spanning 3,800 square miles of protected waters, this sanctuary is more than just a picturesque destination.
Top Dive Sites: Molasses Reef and Christ of the Abyss
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a dream destination for divers. two of its most iconic dive sites are Molasses Reef and Christ of the Abyss. Both sites offer unique experiences that captivate adventurers and marine life enthusiasts alike.
Also Read: Best State Parks in Texas, Top Attractions and Activities.
Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress National Preserve is located in Ochopee, South Florida. A key advantage of Big Cypress for visitors is that there is no entrance fee.
During my visit to the Big Cypress Institute, I did three separate activities: a ‘wet walk’ on the Gator Hook Trail, a canoe trip on the Turner River, and a bike ride on the Fire Prairie Trail. All three were great. It was the wet walk that took us into a spectacular bald cypress dome that was my favorite.
Things To Do in Big Cypress National Preserve
- Visit The Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center
- Hike The preserve
- See Wildlife
- Camping
- Biking Or Canoeing
This amazing Fort is located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay in the city of St. Augustine, Florida. After wandering around the outside, I entered and explored each room, learning fascinating facts about its history.
It took me a little over 2 hours to explore all the artifacts and the preserved landmarks. It was fascinating to watch a cannon being fired live. Would recommend it for all, young and old!
For 16+ Visitors the fee is $15 And those under 16 are free to enter. The fort is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Canaveral National Seashore
It is Florida’s longest undeveloped beach and is located east of Orlando on the Atlantic. This beautiful preserve is home to all kinds of wildlife.
You can do so many things in this place including fishing, paddling, sunbathing, swimming, etc. You could spend an hour here or a whole day, depending on your interests. Many visitors come to this seashore especially to watch rockets launching.
Things To Do In Canaveral National Seashore
- Hiking Trails
- Watch Rocket Launching
- Boating
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Sunbathing
NOTE: Area 13 is for Nude Sunbathing.
Castillo De San Marcos National Monument
This amazing Fort is located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay in the city of St. Augustine, Florida. After wandering around the outside, I entered and explored each room, learning fascinating facts about its history.
It took me a little over 2 hours to explore all the artifacts and the preserved landmarks. It was fascinating to watch a cannon being fired live. Would recommend it for all, young and old!
For 16+ Visitors the fee is $15 And those under 16 are free to enter. The fort is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Things To Do In Castillo De San Marcos National Monument
- St. Augustine Historic Walking Tours
- Visit St. Augustine Visitors Center
- Explore the Fort
- Watch Live Conon Firing
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore attracts millions of visitors with its emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes, and historical landscapes.
There are many beautiful beaches along this 150-mile stretch of seashore that runs from Cat Island in Mississippi to Santa Rosa Island in Florida.
The Pristin White sandy beach is isolated so you don’t see many crowds on this beach. For this reason, it’s one of my favorite beaches in Florida.
Things To Do In Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Hiking
- Explore The Beach
- Sunbathing
Silver Springs State Park
Located on the Silver River in Marion County, Silver Springs State Park was formerly known as Silver River State Park. Silver Springs is one of the first tourist attractions in Florida.
Take the glass boat tour and watch the surroundings and many wildlife. The captain is very knowledgeable so learn something new from him while you are on the boat.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is located at the southern end of Key West. Visit this amazing seashore state park, learn about the Civil War, and watch the weapons.
Conclusion:
As a traveler, one thing you will love about Florida is its rich and diverse wildlife ecosystem. The state is home to some of the best national parks in the world.
After reading through the list, I am sure you have fallen in love with these amazing parks. From the diversity of flora and fauna to breathtaking landscapes, there’s a lot to explore here. Remember that not all parks are open 24/7 so it is also important to follow park-specific regulations when visiting them.
For more quaries and information visit National Parks in Florida.
Most importantly, don’t forget to be kind and share this post with your friends so more people can get out and enjoy nature!
